Women’S Services At Prmc Get High-Tech Boost

The new digital mammography technology at the Payson Regional Outpatient Women’s Imaging Center reduces the amount of time needed to do a screening, makes the process more comfortable and generally makes return appointments unnecessary.

Payson Regional Medical Center took a giant leap forward in its Healthy Woman services recently. PRMC has added Selenia™ digital mammography from Hologic™ to the growing array of imaging resources it has available to Rim Country residents.

“Digital mammography is quickly becoming the standard in breast imaging and is the best tool in early diagnosis, giving patients a much better chance of survival and leading a long, productive life,” said Kacey Eichacker, director of PRMC Diagnostic Imaging Services.

“Women find many reasons to put off having a mammogram. With Selenia™, we will offer an extraordinary experience, reduced examination times and fast results, reducing patients’ anxiety,” she said.

The National Cancer Institute conducted a study comparing digital and film mammography. The study showed that digital mammography was significantly better than film mammography in screening women who were under 50 and those of any age with very dense breasts.

To further enhance the screening experience, PRMC is now using Hologic™ MammoPad® — a soft, foam pad that creates a cushion between the patient and the mammography machine.

Breast cancer will affect an average of one in eight women sometime in their lifetime. It is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women.

Numerous studies prove that early detection is a vital component in the successful treatment of breast cancer. In fact, according to the NCI study, with early detection through regular screenings and improved treatment, death rates from breast cancer have been declining since 1990.

Mammograms play a central part in the early detection of breast cancer because they can detect changes in the breast that may be early signs of cancer, but are too small or subtle to be felt. The use of mammography has greatly enhanced the ability to detect breast cancers at earlier stages. Now, a new technology called full field digital mammography shows great promise in the fight against breast cancer.

Digital mammography uses computers and specially designed digital detectors to produce an image that can be displayed on a high-resolution computer monitor and transmitted and stored just like computer files.

From a patient’s point of view, having a digital mammogram is very much like having a conventional screen-film mammogram. Both film and digital screening techniques use compression and x-rays to create clear images of the inside of the breast.

However, with digital mammography, the radiologist reviews electronic images of the breast using special high-resolution monitors. The image can be adjusted for brightness and contrast and enlarged for closeups of specific areas of interest.

Being able to manipulate images is one of the main benefits of digital technology. Another convenience is it can greatly reduce the need for retakes due to over or under exposure, saving time and limiting the patient’s contact with x-rays.

To learn more about this new technology at PRMC, visit Payson Regional Outpatient Diagnostic Imaging Women’s Center, 127 E. Main, Suite B, and pick up the brochure on digital mammograms.

According to PRMC, “Because our primary goal has always been to deliver the highest quality care to our patients, we are adding digital mammography to our women’s health diagnostic services. We have chosen the Selenia™ Digital Mammography system from Hologic™ because we believe that it offers the best technology available.”

Programs highlight new equipment

In the coming weeks, a number of special programs are planned to further educate residents about the new imaging service and its benefits.

Those interested in attending any of these programs should make a reservation by calling (928) 472-9290.

• A “Good Morning for Good Health” program on Understanding Breast Changes: A Health Guide for Women is planned from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 8 at Payson Regional Health Outreach, 215 N. Beeline, Payson.

The program is free and, for attending, participants will receive a Mammogram Birthday Card with envelope to enter a raffle for a bag full of Healthy Woman gifts.

• The “Lunch & Learn and Afternoon Tea” program, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Tuesday, July 28 will be devoted to Screening Mammograms: Questions and Answers. The program is free, and those who attend will receive a Mammogram Birthday Card with envelope to enter a raffle for a bag full of Healthy Woman gifts.

• The “Good Morning for Good Health” program from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 12 will be on Digital vs. Film Mammography.

Those attending will receive a Mammogram Birthday Card with envelope to enter a raffle for a bag full of Healthy Woman gifts.

• Breast health will also be the topic of the Aug. 25 “Lunch & Learn and Afternoon Tea” program, which will cover the topic Improving Methods for Breast Cancer Detection and Diagnosis.

The discussion will look at the latest imaging techniques that are in use or being studied. Those attending will receive a Mammogram Birthday Card with envelope to enter a raffle for a bag full of Healthy Woman gifts.

PRMC is also making the new technology available to uninsured patients. Free mammograms and readings are available through a referral from a physician at the Payson Christian Clinic, 701 S. Ponderosa, Suite D., (928) 468-2209.

A limited number of certificates for the free mammograms and reduced-fee screenings will be available at the Healthy Woman booth at the Pine Health Fair, Friday, June 26 at the Pine Community Center.